Featured Artist Annette Hassell

Painter Annette Hassell uses narrative in her artwork. Her fun and whimsical paintings are beautifully rendered, filled with suggestion and mystery. Visit her website for more.

“A Frog Enchanted” Acrylic on Linen, 18” x 24”

I started drawing really early in life. I was fascinated with Golden Age Fairytale illustrators and Disney background art, and I practiced drawing, hoping to end up as an illustrator or animation artist myself. But I got sidetracked along the way, and ended up painting other people’s designs and visions to make ends meet.

“The Monkey’s Orchids” Acrylic and Ink on Linen, 6” x 12”

Now it’s my time. After so many years of having my subject matter dictated to me, I’m finally getting to paint whatever I want.

“Pig” Acrylic on Canvas, 9” x 12”

Lately, that’s been mostly rather whimsical animals, but there’s no telling what I’ll get into next. My main focus is to keep pushing myself. I don’t ever want to be stuck in a genre… I feel like that would be creative suicide.

“The Hummingbird’s Heart” Acrylic and Ink on Linen, 6” x 12”

I think it’s interesting, the process that we as artists go through in our minds as we try and determine what it is that we are going to paint.

“Flight of Fancy Fish” Acrylic and Ink on Linen, 6” x 12”

For me, it usually starts with thinking about something completely unrelated to painting…like fish… I like goldfish… wait…goldfish trapped in a bowl? That seems unkind….how about those fish in “Fantasia?” I loved them…they were magical…I bet you couldn’t keep them in any bowl…and so on.

“Mickey” Acrylic on Canvas, 14” x 18”

Sometimes these musings lead to rather dark and musty corners that need to be aired out. Then other times, the musings are much simpler, and result in images of say magical, flying fancy fish, but they always lead somewhere.

“Rabbit” Acrylic on Canvas, 9” x 12”

The only thing that I insist on in my work is that it needs to have some narrative.

“Cow” Acrylic on Canvas, 9” x 12”

I consider myself to be a wry observer of human nature, and there is definitely a story going on in my head for each painting. I want people to see that, and I hope that they can recognize some of their own stories in my work as well.

Artist Annette Hassell invites you to follow her additional website and Facebook.

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!